Therapeutic pyrazoloquinoline urea derivatives

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a novel chemical series of formula I, as well as methods of use thereof for binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA A  receptor and modulating GABA A , and use of the compound of formula I for the treatment of GABA A  receptor associated disorders. The general structure of formula I is shown below: 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     The invention further provides a method of modulation of one or more GABA A  subtypes in an animal comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a compound of formula (I).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/942,992, filed Jun. 8, 2007 which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to the use of novel derivatives ofpyrazoloquinoline ureas as modulators of GABA_(A) α5 for the intendeduse of therapy for enhancing cognition.

2. Description of the Related Art

The inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serves as aligand for two distinct classes of receptors, GABA_(A) and GABA_(B). TheGABA_(A) class is a ligand-gated ion channel while GABA_(B) is acanonical seven transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor. The GABA_(A)receptor is comprised of a number of subunits, including α, β, γ, and δ.Cloning of the individual subunits of the GABA_(A) receptor hasconfirmed the existence, so far, of six α subunits, three β subunits,three γ subunits, and one δ subunit. The overall structure of thereceptor is pentamer with a minimum subunit requirement of at least oneα subunit, one β subunit, and one γ subunit.

Due to aforementioned diversity of subunits, there are more than 10,000possible combinations of the subunits that comprise the GABA_(A)receptor, though not all appear in nature. Specific combinations thathave been identified to have biological relevance (and their relativeabundance in rat brains, include α1β2γ2 (43%), α2β2/3γ2 (18%), α3βγ2/3(17%), α2βγ1 (8%), α5β3γ2/3 (4%), α6βγ2 (2%), α6βδ (2%), and α4βδ (3%)(Barnard, E. A., et al. (1998) Pharmacol. Rev. 50: 291-313 incorporatedherein in its entirety).

There are a number of distinct, small molecule binding sites on theGABA_(A) receptor that modulate the activity of the receptor includingsites for benzodiazepines, steroids, barbiturates, ethanol, andconvulsants (e.g. picrotoxin). The GABA binding site is located at theα/β interface. A tremendous amount of pharmaceutical research has beeninvested in identifying compounds that bind to the benzodiazepinebinding site (BZ-site), which is located at the α/γ interface. Bindingof GABA is greatly modulated by binding of drugs to the BZ-site, whichcan cause a number of different pharmacological responses. Drugs such asdiazepam and zolpidem, agonists of GABA_(A) function, have shownhistoric success as anxiolytic agents (Muller, W. E. (1988) Drugs ofToday 24: 649-663 incorporated herein in its entirety). More recent workhas suggested that the sedative and hypnotic effects of these drugs areprimarily due to interaction with the α1 subunit containing receptor,therefore much effort has been focused on finding drugs that havepreferential activity towards α2β2γ2 and α3βγ2 over α1βγ2 to maintainthe anxiolytic activity but reduce the sedative side effects (Rudolph,U. F., et al. (1999) Nature 401: 796-800 incorporated herein in itsentirety; Low, K. F., et al. (2000) Science 290: 131-134 incorporatedherein in its entirety; McKernan, R. M., et al. (2000) Nat. Neurosci. 3:587-592 incorporated herein in its entirety).

The α5-subunit is predominantly found in the hippocampus, a part ofbrain that plays a part in memory and spatial navigation. As a result,much research has been focused on identifying links betweenα5-containing GABA function and cognition. Results from a number oflaboratories have indicated that selective inverse agonism of theα5βγ2/3 GABA_(A) receptor can show marked improvement of memory functionin a number of animal models. There have been a growing number ofexamples of inverse agonists in both the patent and scientificliterature (Yokoyama, N., et al. (1982) J. Med. Chem. 25: 337-339incorporated herein in its entirety; Takada, S., et al. (1988) J. Med.Chem. 31: 1738-1745 incorporated herein in its entirety; Atack, J. R.,et al. (2006) European Journal of Pharmacology 548: 77-82 incorporatedherein in its entirety). A preferable profile for a cognitive enhanceris one that shows negative modulation at α5, but with less modulation ofα1, α2, or α3 to minimize side effects such as convulsion or sedation.As yet, no α5 selective GABA_(A) negative modulator has been brought tomarket, and only a limited number have been investigated in humanclinical trials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Herein described is a compound of formula I, the use of which is shownto bind to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA_(A) receptor andnegatively modulate the α5 subtype of GABA_(A), and use of the compoundof formula I in the manufacture of a medicament useful for the treatmentof GABA_(A) receptor associated disorders.

EMBODIMENTS, ASPECTS AND VARIATIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides the following embodiments, aspects andvariations:

The present embodiments provide for a method of modulation of one ormore GABA_(A) subtypes in an animal comprising administering to theanimal an effective amount of a compound of formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,wherein:

R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are each independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, cyano, —CONR_(a)R_(b),—NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, Heterocycle,amino(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro;

each R_(a) and R_(b) are independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl,(C₁-C₆)alkylOC(O)—, or arylOC(O)—, or R_(a) and R_(b) are taken togetherwith the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a heterocycle groupoptionally substituted with one or more R_(d); wherein the heterocyclegroup optionally include one or more groups selected from O (oxygen),S(O)_(z), and NR_(c);

each z is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2;

each R_(c) is independently hydrogen, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl,—C(O)O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(O)Oaryl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkylO(CH₂)_(m)—, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,heterocycle, arylO(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(O)NR_(g)(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—C(O)NR_(g)aryl, —S(O)_(z)(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —S(O)_(z)aryl,—C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl, arylC(O)—, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted withup to 5 fluoro, or (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro;

each m is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6;

each R_(d) is independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, halo, oxo, hydroxy, —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(a)R_(b),hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionallysubstituted with up to 5 fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionallysubstituted with up to 5 fluoro;

R_(e) and R_(f) are each independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, —S(O)_(z)(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—S(O)_(z)aryl, —CONR_(g)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), (C₁-C₆)alkylC(O)—, arylC(O)—,(C₁-C₆)alkylOC(O)—, and arylOC(O)—;

R_(g) is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl;

R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, and aryl, or R₅and R₆ are taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedto form a heterocycle group optionally substituted with one or moreR_(d); wherein the heterocycle group optionally include one or moregroups selected from O (oxygen), S(O)_(z), and NR_(c);

R₇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo,hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro;

Ar is aryl, or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or moreR₈; and

each R₈ is independently hydrogen, halo, CF₃, CF₂H, hydroxy, cyano,nitro, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, —NR_(a)R_(b),aryl, heteroaryl or heterocycle.

In one embodiment of the method, the modulation can be negative. Inanother embodiment of the method, the modulation can be positive.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method wherein theGABA_(A) subtypes can be GABA_(A) α5. In one embodiment of the method,the modulation can be negative. In another embodiment of the method, themodulation can be positive.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of treatment of acognitive dysfunction in an animal comprising administering to theanimal an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, under conditions wherein thecognitive dysfunction is treated.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to the use of a compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for themanufacture of a medicament useful for modulation of one or moreGABA_(A) subtypes in an animal. In one embodiment of the method, theGABA_(A) subtypes can be GABA_(A) α5. In one embodiment of the method,the modulation can be negative. In another embodiment, the modulationcan be positive.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to the use of a compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for themanufacture of a medicament useful for treatment of a cognitivedysfunction in an animal. In one embodiment, the animal can be a healthyanimal. In another embodiment, the animal is an aged animal. In anotherembodiment, the cognitive dysfunction is Alzheimer's disease or anotherneurodegenerative disease.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to the use of a compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for themanufacture of a medicament useful for treatment of psychiatricdisorders in an animal. In one embodiment the psychiatric disorder canbe an anxiety disorder, sleep disorder, depression, or schizophrenia.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to the use of a compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for themanufacture of a medicament useful for treatment of disordersameliorated by modulation of GABA_(A) α subunits other than α5 in ananimal. In one embodiment, the modulation can be positive. In anotherembodiment, the modulation can be negative.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method for treatingcognitive impairment resulting from diseases such as schizophrenia,Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Pick's, Huntington's, and Creutzfeld-Jakobalong with other forms of dementia, MCI, AAMI, and delirium.

One embodiment provides the use of compounds not specifically inverseagonists of α5 for other CNS disorders, such as anxiety.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method of increasingcognitive function in an animal comprising administering to the animalan effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, under conditions wherein memory is increased.In one embodiment, the animal is healthy. In one embodiment, the memoryis long term memory. In one embodiment, the memory is short term memory.

Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to the use of a compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for themanufacture of a medicament for increasing cognitive function in ananimal wherein the GABA_(A) α5 subtype in the animal is negativelymodulated. In one embodiment, the animal is healthy. In one embodiment,the memory is long term memory. In one embodiment, the memory is shortterm memory.

One embodiment provides a compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,wherein:

R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are each independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo, cyano, —CONR_(a)R_(b),—NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle,amino(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro;

each R_(a) and R_(b) are independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl,(C₁-C₆)alkylOC(O)—, or arylOC(O)—, or R_(a) and R_(b) are taken togetherwith the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a heterocycle groupoptionally substituted with one or more R_(d); wherein the heterocyclegroup optionally include one or more groups selected from O (oxygen),S(O)_(z), and NR_(c);

each z is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2;

each R₁ is independently hydrogen, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl,—C(O)O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(O)Oaryl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkylO(CH₂)_(m)—, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,Heterocycle, arylO(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(O)NR_(g)(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—C(O)NR_(g)aryl, —S(O)_(z)(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —S(O)_(z)aryl,—C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl, arylC(O)—, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted withup to 5 fluoro, or (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro;

each m is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6;

each R_(d) is independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, halo, oxo, hydroxy, —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(a)R_(b),hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionallysubstituted with up to 5 fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionallysubstituted with up to 5 fluoro;

R_(e) and R_(f) are each independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, —S(O)_(z)(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—S(O)_(z)aryl, —CONR_(g)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), (C₁-C₆)alkylC(O)—, arylC(O)—,(C₁-C₆)alkylOC(O)—, and arylOC(O)—;

R_(g) is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl;

R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, and aryl, or R₅and R₆ are taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedto form a heterocycle group optionally substituted with one or moreR_(d); wherein the heterocycle group optionally include one or moregroups selected from O (oxygen), S(O)_(z), and NR_(c);

R₇ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo,hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro;

Ar is aryl, or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or moreR; and

each R is independently hydrogen, halo, CF₃, CF₂H, hydroxy, cyano,nitro, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, —NR_(a)R_(b),aryl, heteroaryl or heterocycle.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula I having the formulaIa:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In some embodiments, for example, R₅ and R₆, together with the nitrogento which they are attached, can form a piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl,morpholinyl, or thiomorpholinyl ring in the compound of formula Ia.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula I having the formulaIb:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof,

wherein:

X is N(R_(c)), O (oxygen), C(R_(d))₂, or S(O)_(z);

z is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2;

each R_(d) is independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, halo, oxo, hydroxy, —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(a)R_(b),hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionallysubstituted with up to 5 fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionallysubstituted with up to 5 fluoro; and

n is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2; with the proviso that whenn=0 then X is C(R_(d))₂.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula I having the formulaIc:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula I having the formulaId:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof,

wherein n is 0, 1, or 2.

In some embodiments n can be 0. In another embodiment, n can be 1. Inyet another embodiment, n can be 2.

In some embodiments, R₂ is Methyl. In another embodiment, R₂ is fluoro.In yet another embodiment, R₂ is OMe. In some embodiments, R₃ is Methyl.In another embodiment, R₃ is fluoro. In yet another embodiment, R₃ isOMe.

In some embodiments, R₂ and R₃ are fluoro. In another embodiment, R₂ andR₃ are Methyl.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula I having the formulaIe:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula I having the formulaII:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof,

wherein:

each Y is independently N or C(R₈). In some embodiments, R₅ and R₆,together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form apiperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl, or thiomorpholinyl ring, eachoptionally substituted with one or more R_(d).

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula II having theformula IIb:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In some embodiments n can be 0. In another embodiment, n can be 1. Inyet another embodiment, n can be 2. In some embodiments, R₂ can beMethyl. In another embodiment, R₂ can be fluoro. In yet anotherembodiment, R₂ can be OMe. In some embodiments, R₃ can be Methyl. Inanother embodiment, R₃ can be fluoro. In yet another embodiment, R₃ canbe OMe. In some embodiments, R₂ and R₃ can be fluoro. In anotherembodiment, R₂ and R₃ can be Methyl.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula II having theformula IIc:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula II having theformula IId:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula II having theformula IIe:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Another embodiment includes the compound of formula II having theformula IIf:

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In another embodiment, the compound is selected from the groupconsisting of

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

One embodiment of the invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising:

a) the compound of any of the embodiments and examples disclosed herein;and

b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, common organic abbreviations are defined as follows:

-   -   Ac Acetyl    -   aq. Aqueous    -   Bu n-Butyl    -   cat. Catalytic    -   CDI 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole    -   ° C. Temperature in degrees Centigrade    -   Dowtherm® eutectic mixture of diphenyl ether and biphenyl    -   DBN 1,5-Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene    -   DBU 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene    -   DIEA Diisopropylethylamine    -   DMA Dimethylacetamide    -   DMF N,N′-Dimethylformamide    -   DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide    -   Et Ethyl    -   g Gram(s)    -   h Hour (hours)    -   HPLC High performance liquid chromatography    -   iPr or isopr Isopropyl    -   LCMS Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry    -   Me Methyl    -   MeOH Methanol    -   mL Milliliter(s)    -   Pd/C Palladium on activated carbon    -   ppt Precipitate    -   rt Room temperature    -   TEA Triethylamine    -   Tert, t tertiary    -   μL Microliter(s)

The term “halo” used herein refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to an aliphatic hydrocarbongroup. The alkyl moiety may be a “saturated alkyl” group, which meansthat it does not contain any alkene or alkyne moieties. An “alkene”moiety refers to a group consisting of at least two carbon atoms and atleast one carbon-carbon double bond, and an “alkyne” moiety refers to agroup consisting of at least two carbon atoms and at least onecarbon-carbon triple bond. The alkyl moiety may be branched, straightchain, or cyclic. Examples of branched alkyl groups include, but are notlimited to, isopropy, sec-butyl, t-butyl and the like. Examples ofstraight chain alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl,ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and the like. Examples ofcyclic alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and the like.

The term “alkoxy” used herein refers to straight or branched chain alkylradical covalently bonded to the parent molecule through an —O— linkage.Examples of alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to, methoxy,ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy andthe like.

The term “alkenyl” used herein refers to a monovalent straight orbranched chain radical of from two to twenty carbon atoms containing acarbon double bond including, but not limited to, 1-propenyl,2-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, and the like.

The term “alkynyl” used herein refers to a monovalent straight orbranched chain radical of from two to twenty carbon atoms containing acarbon triple bond including, but not limited to, 1-propynyl, 1-butynyl,2-butynyl, and the like.

The term “aryl” used herein refers to homocyclic aromatic radicalwhether one ring or multiple fused rings. Moreover, the term “aryl”includes fused ring systems wherein at least two aryl rings, or at leastone aryl and an ortho-fused bicyclic carbocyclic radical having aboutnine to ten ring atoms in which at least one ring is aromatic share atleast one chemical bond. Examples of “aryl” rings include, but are notlimited to, optionally substituted phenyl, biphenyl, naphthalenyl,phenanthrenyl, anthracenyl, tetralinyl, fluorenyl, indenyl, and indanyl.

The term, “heterocycle” or “heterocycle group” used herein refers to anoptionally substituted monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic ring systemcomprising at least one heteroatom in the ring system backbone. Theheteroatoms are independently selected from oxygen, sulfur, andnitrogen. The term, “heterocycle” includes multiple fused ring systems.Moreover, the term “heterocycle” includes fused ring systems that mayhave any degree of saturation provided that at least one ring in thering system is not aromatic. The monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic ringsystem may be substituted or unsubstituted, and can be attached to othergroups via any available valence, preferably any available carbon ornitrogen. Preferred monocyclic ring systems are of 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8members. Six membered monocyclic rings contain from up to threeheteroatoms wherein each heteroatom is individually selected fromoxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen, and wherein when the ring is fivemembered, preferably it has one or two heteroatoms wherein eachheteroatom is individually selected from oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen.Preferred bicyclic cyclic ring systems are of 8 to 12 members andinclude spirocycles. An example of an optional substituent includes, butis not limited to, oxo (═O).

The term “heteroaryl” used herein refers to an aromatic heterocyclicgroup, whether one ring or multiple fused rings. In fused ring systems,the one or more heteroatoms may be present in only one of the rings.Examples of heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to,benzothiazyl, benzoxazyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl,quinoxalinyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, indolyl, thienyl, and thelike. The term “heterocycle” encompasses heteroaryl fused to anon-aromatic ring system.

The term “heteroatom” used herein refers to, for example, oxygen, sulfurand nitrogen.

The term “amino” used herein refers to a nitrogen radical substitutedwith hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, or combinations thereof. Examples of aminogroups include, but are not limited to, —NHMethyl, —NH₂, —NMethyl₂,—NPhenylMethyl, —NHPhenyl, —NEthylMethyl, and the like.

The term “arylalkyl” used herein refers to one or more aryl groupsappended to an alkyl radical. Examples of arylalkyl groups include, butare not limited to, benzyl, phenethyl, phenpropyl, phenbutyl, and thelike.

The term “heteroarylalkyl” used herein refers to one or more heteroarylgroups appended to an alkyl radical. Examples of heteroarylalkylinclude, but are not limited to, pyridylmethyl, furanylmethyl,thiopheneylethyl, and the like.

The term “aryloxy” used herein refers to an aryl radical covalentlybonded to the parent molecule through an —O— linkage.

The term “alkylthio” used herein refers to straight or branched chainalkyl radical covalently bonded to the parent molecule through an —S—linkage. Examples of alkoxy groups include, but are not limited to,methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy,t-butoxy and the like.

The term “carbonyl” used herein refers to C═O (i.e. carbon double bondedto oxygen).

The term “oxo” used herein refers to ═O (i.e. double bond to oxygen).For example, cyclohexane substituted with “oxo” is cyclohexanone.

The term “alkanoyl” used herein refers to a “carbonyl” substituted withan “alkyl” group, the “alkanoyl” group is covalently bonded to theparent molecule through the carbon of the “carbonyl” group. Examples ofalkanoyl groups include, but are not limited to, methanoyl, ethanoyl,propanoyl, and the like. Methanoyl is commonly known as acetyl.

As used herein, a radical indicates species with a single, unpairedelectron such that the species containing the radical can be covalentlybonded to another species. Hence, in this context, a radical is notnecessarily a free radical. Rather, a radical indicates a specificportion of a larger molecule. The term “radical” can be usedinterchangeably with the term “group.”

As used herein, a substituted group is derived from the unsubstitutedparent structure in which there has been an exchange of one or morehydrogen atoms for another atom or group.

Asymmetric carbon atoms may be present in the compounds described. Allsuch isomers, including diastereomers and enantiomers, as well as themixtures thereof are intended to be included in the scope of the recitedcompound. In certain cases, compounds can exist in tautomeric forms. Alltautomeric forms are intended to be included in the scope. Likewise,when compounds contain an alkenyl or alkenylene group, there exists thepossibility of cis- and trans-isomeric forms of the compounds. Both cis-and trans-isomers, as well as the mixtures of cis- and trans-isomers,are contemplated. Thus, reference herein to a compound includes all ofthe aforementioned isomeric forms unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

Various forms are included in the embodiments, including polymorphs,solvates, hydrates, conformers, salts, and prodrug derivatives. Apolymorph is a composition having the same chemical formula, but adifferent structure. A solvate is a composition formed by solvation (thecombination of solvent molecules with molecules or ions of the solute).A hydrate is a compound formed by an incorporation of water. A conformeris a structure that is a conformational isomer. Conformational isomerismis the phenomenon of molecules with the same structural formula butdifferent conformations (conformers) of atoms about a rotating bond.Salts of compounds can be prepared by methods known to those skilled inthe art. For example, salts of compounds can be prepared by reacting theappropriate base or acid with a stoichiometric equivalent of thecompound.

The term “animal” as used herein includes birds, reptiles, and mammals(e.g. domesticated mammals and humans).

The terms “individual,” “host,” “subject,” and “patient” are usedinterchangeably herein, and refer to a mammal, including, but notlimited to, murines, simians, humans, mammalian farm animals, mammaliansport animals, and mammalian pets.

The values listed below for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are forillustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or othervalues within defined ranges for the radicals and substituents ofcompounds of formula I.

In some embodiments, Ar can be phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl,or 2-pyridyl.

In some embodiments, R₁ can be hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R₂ can be hydrogen, fluoro, methyl, morpholinyl, ormethoxy.

In some embodiments, R₃ can be hydrogen, fluoro, methyl, or methoxy.

In some embodiments, R₄ can be hydrogen.

In some embodiments, R₅ can be methyl.

In some embodiments, R₆ can be methyl.

In some embodiments, R₅ and R₆ taken together can be piperazine,piperidine, morpholine, 4-methylpiperidine, 2,6-dimethylmorpholine,4-(2-methoxyethyl)piperazine, 4-isopropylpiperazine,2-methylpyrrolidine, 4-phenylpiperazine, 3,5-dimethylpiperazine,4-allylpiperazine, 4-hydroxypiperidine, 4-fluoroypiperidine, or4-methylhomopiperazine, each optionally substituted with one or moreR_(d).

Process of Preparation

Processes for preparing compounds of formula (I) are provided as furtherembodiments of the invention and are illustrated by the followingprocedures in which the meanings of the generic radicals are as givenabove unless otherwise qualified.

A compound of formula (I) can be prepared using the general syntheticapproach illustrated below in Scheme 1. For example, 4-hydroxyquinolineof formula 2 can be prepared by reacting aniline 1 with diethyl2-(ethoxymethylene)malonate. Compound 2 is converted to the4-chloroquinoline 3 by reaction with oxalyl chloride. Thepyrazoloquinoline 4 is formed by reaction of 3 with aryl hydrazines.Conversion to the 5-substituted urea (I) is accomplished by reaction of4 with triphosgene followed by the addition of amine.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that depictedstructures that can exist in other isomeric forms, either bytautomerization or via sigmatropic rearrangements, encompass saidisomeric forms.

a) 1 equiv. diethyl 2-(ethoxymethylene)malonate, 125° C., 3 hrs; b)Ph₂O, reflux, 30 min-3 hrs; c) 4 equiv. oxalyl chloride, cat. DMF,chloroform, reflux, 3 hrs; d) 2 equiv. aryl hydrazine orheteroarylhydrazine, 2 equiv. triethylamine, O-xylene, reflux, 12 hrs;e) 0.55 equiv. triphosgene, 1.2 equiv. DIEA, CH₂Cl₂, 0-25° C., 2 equiv.HN—R₅R₆, 1.2 equiv. DIEA, 0-25° C.

General Reaction Scheme 1 shows a representative synthetic method forthe synthesis of Pyrazoloquinolin-5-Ureas of Formula (I). The aniline ofFormula 1 can be reacted with diethyl 2-(ethoxymethylene)malonate underheating to afford a cyclization precursor, in an addition-eliminationtype reaction. Thermal cyclization of the cyclization precursor providesthe hydroxy-quinoline of formula 2. Solvents that can be used in step(b) include but are not limited to diphenyl ether, Dowtherm® and similarhigh boiling point stable solvents. Conversion of the hydroxy-quinolineof formula 2 to the chloro-quinoline of formula 3 can be accomplishedusing a chlorinating agent in a halogenated solvent and optionallycatalytic DMF. Chlorinating agents that can be used in step (c) includebut are not limited to oxalyl chloride, P(O)Cl₃, PCl₅, thionyl chloride,phosgene, triphosgene, and similar chlorinating agents. Solvents thatcan be used in step (c) include but are not limited to chlorobenzene,methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, and similarsolvents. The chloro-quinoline of formula 3 can be reacted with aryl orheteroaryl hydrazine to form the tricyclic oxo-pyrazole of formula 4.Organic bases that can be used in step (d) include but are not limitedto triethyl amine (TEA), diisopropylethyl amine (DIEA),1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU),1,5-Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN), N-methylpiperidine, and thelike. Solvents that can be used in step (d) include but are not limitedto o-xylene, xylenes, chlorobenzene, toluene, and the like. The amine ofthe compound of formula 4 can be reacted with phosgene, triphosgene,CDI, and the like and treated with HNR₅R₆ to provide the compound offormula (I). Alternatively, the amine of the compound HNR₅R₆ can bereacted with phosgene, triphosgene, CDI, and the like and combined withthe compound of formula 4 to provide the compound of formula (I).Solvents that can be used in step (e) include but are not limited tochlorobenzene, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane and similarsolvents. Organic bases that can be used in step (e) include but are notlimited to triethyl amine (TEA), diisopropylethyl amine (DIEA),1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU),1,5-Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN), N-methylpiperidine, and thelike.

Reaction Scheme 2 shows a representative synthetic method for thesynthesis of 4-Methyl-Pyrazoloquinoline-5-Ureas. Reaction of an isatoicanhydride of formula 3f with ethyl acetoacetate in the presence of abase provides a hydroxy-methylquinoline that can be converted to achloro-methylquinoline of formula 3g using a chlorinating agent.Chlorinating agents that can be used in step (b) include but are notlimited to oxalyl chloride, P(O)Cl₃, PCl₅, thionyl chloride, phosgenetriphosgene, and similar chlorinating agents. The chloro-methylquinolineof formula 3g can be reacted with arylhydrazine or heteroarylhydrazineto form the tricyclic oxo-pyrazole of formula 41. Organic bases that canbe used in step (c) include but are not limited to triethyl amine (TEA),diisopropylethyl amine (DIEA), 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU),1,5-Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN), N-methylpiperidine, and thelike. Solvents that can be used in step (c) include but are not limitedto o-xylene, xylenes, chlorobenzene, toluene, and the like. The amine ofthe compound of formula 41 can be reacted with phosgene, triphosgene,CDI, and the like and treated with HNR₅R₆ to provide the compound offormula (I). Solvents that can be used in step (d) include but are notlimited to chlorobenzene, methylene chloride, 1,2-dichloroethane,dimethoxyethane (DME), tetrahydrofuran (THF), dioxane, diethyl ether,and similar solvents. Organic bases that can be used in step (d) includebut are not limited to triethyl amine (TEA), diisopropylethyl amine(DIEA), 1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU),1,5-Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN), N-methylpiperidine, and thelike.

It is understood that compounds of formula (I) may be single componentsor mixtures of diastereomers or enantiomers if the substitutions on (I)contain chiral centers.

In cases where compounds are sufficiently basic or acidic to form stablenontoxic acid or base salts that are known to those skilled in the art,administration of the compounds as salts may be appropriate. Examples ofpharmaceutically acceptable salts are organic acid addition salts formedwith acids which form a physiological acceptable anion, for example,besylate, tosylate, methanesulfonate, acetate, citrate, malonate,tartarate, succinate, benzoate, ascorbate, α-ketoglutarate, andα-glycerophosphate. Suitable inorganic salts may also be formed,including hydrochloride, sulfate, nitrate, bicarbonate, and carbonatesalts.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be obtained using standardprocedures well known in the art, for example by reacting a sufficientlybasic compound such as an amine with a suitable acid affording aphysiologically acceptable anion. Alkali metal (for example, sodium,potassium or lithium) or alkaline earth metal (for example calcium)salts of carboxylic acids can also be made.

The compounds of formula (I) can be formulated as pharmaceuticalcompositions and administered to a mammalian host, such as a humanpatient in a variety of forms adapted to the chosen route ofadministration, i.e., orally or parenterally, by intravenous,intramuscular, topical or subcutaneous routes.

Thus, the present compounds may be systemically administered, e.g.,orally, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle suchas an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. They may beenclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, may be compressed intotablets, or may be incorporated directly with the food of the patient'sdiet. For oral therapeutic administration, the active compound may becombined with one or more excipients and used in the form of ingestibletablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions,syrups, wafers, and the like. Such compositions and preparations shouldcontain at least 0.1% of active compound. The percentage of thecompositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and mayconveniently be between about 2 to about 60% of the weight of a givenunit dosage form. The amount of active compound in such therapeuticallyuseful compositions is such that an effective dosage level will beobtained.

The tablets, troches, pills, capsules, and the like may also contain thefollowing: binders such as gum tragacanth, acacia, corn starch orgelatin; excipients such as dicalcium phosphate; a disintegrating agentsuch as corn starch, potato starch, alginic acid and the like; alubricant such as magnesium stearate; and a sweetening agent such assucrose, fructose, lactose or aspartame or a flavoring agent such aspeppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavoring may be added. Whenthe unit dosage form is a capsule, it may contain, in addition tomaterials of the above type, a liquid carrier, such as a vegetable oilor a polyethylene glycol. Various other materials may be present ascoatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the solid unitdosage form. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coatedwith gelatin, wax, shellac or sugar and the like. A syrup or elixir maycontain the active compound, sucrose or fructose as a sweetening agent,methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring such ascherry or orange flavor. Of course, any material used in preparing anyunit dosage form should be pharmaceutically acceptable and substantiallynon-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the active compound maybe incorporated into sustained-release preparations and devices.

The active compound may also be administered intravenously orintraperitoneally by infusion or injection. Solutions of the activecompound or its salts can be prepared in water, optionally mixed with anontoxic surfactant. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol,liquid polyethylene glycols, triacetin, and mixtures thereof and inoils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparationscontain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

The pharmaceutical dosage forms suitable for injection or infusion caninclude sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions or sterile powderscomprising the active ingredient which are adapted for theextemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable or infusible solutionsor dispersions, optionally encapsulated in liposomes. In all cases, theultimate dosage form should be sterile, fluid and stable under theconditions of manufacture and storage. The liquid carrier or vehicle canbe a solvent or liquid dispersion medium comprising, for example, water,ethanol, a polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquidpolyethylene glycols, and the like), vegetable oils, nontoxic glycerylesters, and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can bemaintained, for example, by the formation of liposomes, by themaintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions orby the use of surfactants. The prevention of the action ofmicroorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial andantifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbicacid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it will be preferable toinclude isotonic agents, for example, sugars, buffers or sodiumchloride. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can bebrought about by the use in the compositions of agents delayingabsorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the activecompound in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with variousother ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtersterilization. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation ofsterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation arevacuum drying and the freeze drying techniques, which yield a powder ofthe active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient present inthe previously sterile-filtered solutions.

For topical administration, the present compounds may be applied in pureform, i.e., when they are liquids. However, it will generally bedesirable to administer them to the skin as compositions orformulations, in combination with a dermatologically acceptable carrier,which may be a solid or a liquid.

Useful solid carriers include finely divided solids such as talc, clay,microcrystalline cellulose, silica, alumina and the like. Useful liquidcarriers include water, alcohols or glycols or water-alcohol/glycolblends, in which the present compounds can be dissolved or dispersed ateffective levels, optionally with the aid of non-toxic surfactants.Adjuvants such as fragrances and additional antimicrobial agents can beadded to optimize the properties for a given use. The resultant liquidcompositions can be applied from absorbent pads, used to impregnatebandages and other dressings, or sprayed onto the affected area usingpump-type or aerosol sprayers.

Thickeners such as synthetic polymers, fatty acids, fatty acid salts andesters, fatty alcohols, modified celluloses or modified mineralmaterials can also be employed with liquid carriers to form spreadablepastes, gels, ointments, soaps, and the like, for application directlyto the skin of the user.

Useful dosages of the compounds of formula I can be determined bycomparing their in vitro activity, and in vivo activity in animalmodels. Methods for the extrapolation of effective dosages in mice, andother animals, to humans are known to the those practiced in the art.

The amount of the compound, or an active salt or derivative thereof,required for use in treatment will vary not only with the particularsalt selected but also with the route of administration, the nature ofthe condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient andwill be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician orclinician.

In general, however, a suitable dose will be in the range of from about0.15 to about 100 mg/kg, e.g., from about 1 to about 75 mg/kg of bodyweight per day, such as 0.75 to about 50 mg per kilogram body weight ofthe recipient per day, preferably in the range of 1 to 90 mg/kg/day,most preferably in the range of 1 to 60 mg/kg/day.

The compound is conveniently administered in unit dosage form; forexample, containing 1 to 1000 mg, conveniently 10 to 750 mg, mostconveniently, 5 to 500 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

Ideally, the active ingredient should be administered to achieve peakplasma concentrations of the active compound of from about 0.5 to about75 μM, preferably, about 1 to 50 μM, most preferably, about 2 to about30 μM. This may be achieved, for example, by the intravenous injectionof a 0.05 to 5% solution of the active ingredient, optionally in saline,or orally administered as a bolus containing about 1-100 mg of theactive ingredient. Desirable blood levels may be maintained bycontinuous infusion to provide about 0.01-5.0 mg/kg/hr or byintermittent infusions containing about 0.4-15 mg/kg of the activeingredient(s).

The desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or asdivided doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example, astwo, three, four or more sub-doses per day. The sub-dose itself may befurther divided, e.g., into a number of discrete loosely spacedadministrations.

The compounds of the invention can optionally be administered alone orin combination with one or more other therapeutic agents that areeffective to treat disorders of the CNS, including, but not limited to,AAMI (Age Associated Memory Impairment), MCI (Mild Cognitiveimpairment), Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, dementia (due to HIVdisease, Parkinson's disease, head trauma, Huntington's disease, Pick'sdisease, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease), and delirium.

SYNTHETIC EXAMPLES Step 1

Synthesis of Ethyl 4-hydroxy-quinoline-3-carboxylate (2a): A mixture ofaniline (1a) (9.3 g, 0.1 M) and diethyl 2-(ethoxymethylene)malonate(21.6 g, 0.1 M) was heated to 110° C. After 3 hours reaction mixture wascooled and ethanol was evaporated in vacuo to afford off-white solidwhich was used in next reaction without further purification.

The 2-phenylaminomethylene-malonic acid diethyl ester was refluxed inDowtherm® for 15 min to 2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to 80° C.and solid was collected by filtration and washed with hexane to yieldcrude ethyl 4-hydroxy-quinoline-3-carboxylate 2a which was used in nextstep without further purification.

Step 2

Synthesis of Ethyl 4-chloro-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3a): Ethyl4-hydroxy-quinoline-3-carboxylate (2a) (2.17 g, 0.01 M) was refluxedwith oxalyl chloride (5.16 g, 0.04 M) and 0.4 mL of DMF in 75 mLchloroform for 3 hours. The reaction was quenched by adding it to 150 mLof 2N aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at 0° C. The crude product wasobtained by collecting chloroform layer, washing it with water and brinesolution, drying it over sodium sulfate and evaporating the solvent invacuo. The product was obtained by recrystallization using acetone.

Step 3

Synthesis of 2-Phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c) quinolin-3-one (4a):A suspension of ethyl 4-chloro-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3a) (2.35 g,0.01 M) in 20 mL of o-xylene was refluxed with triethylamine (2.0 mL,0.02 M) and phenyl hydrazine (2.89 g, 0.02 M) overnight. The crudeproduct was obtained by filtration followed by washing the solid withcold methanol.

Step 4 Example 1

Synthesis of5-(4-Methylpiperidine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(5): A solution of 2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-C)quinolin-3-one(4a) (0.261 g, 1 mM) in 2 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride was stirredwith N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.145 g, 1.2 mM) and triphosgene (0.173g, 0.55 mM) at 0° C. for 1 hour and 25° C. for 2 hours.N,N-diisopropylethylamine (0.145 g, 1.2 mM) and 4-methylpiperidine(0.208 g, 2 mM) were added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirredovernight at room temperature. The reaction was quenched by addition ofaqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic layer was collected,washed with brine solution, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered andconcentrated in vacuo. The product was obtained by columnchromatography. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.0 (3H, d, J=6.59), 1.6 (4H,m), 1.84 (1H, m), 3.14 (1H, m), 3.30 (1H, m), 4.01, (1H, m), 4.60 (1H,m), 7.20 (1H, t, J=8.57), 7.38 (1H, m), 7.68-7.42 (4H, m), 8.18 (2H, m),8.28 (1H, s), 8.44 (1H, d, J=8.81 Hz). m/z 387.5 (MH⁺).

2-(2′-Fluorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (4b): Thetitle compound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 3for the synthesis of 4a, using 2-fluorophenyl hydrazine hydrochlorideinstead of phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm):7.13-7.46 (3H, m), 7.48-7.62 (2H, m), 7.67 (1H, dd, J=6.87, 1.37 Hz),7.73 (1H, d, J=8.24 Hz), 8.11 (1H, dd, J=8.24, 1.09 Hz), 8.70 (1H, d,J=6.31 Hz). m/z 280.3 (MH⁺).

2-(4′-Methoxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (4c):The title compound was prepared following the procedure described inStep 3 for the synthesis of 4a, but using 4-methoxyphenyl hydrazinehydrochloride instead of phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride. ¹H NMR(DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 3.76 (3H, s), 6.98 (1H, q, J=5.50 Hz), 7.01 (1H, d,J=9.33 Hz), 7.55 (1H, m), 7.70 (2H, m), 8.05 (1H, q, J=5.09 Hz), 8.08(1H, d, J=9.33 Hz), 8.19 (1H, d, J=7.96 Hz), 8.70 (1H, d, J=6.31 Hz).m/z 292.4 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 6-fluoro-4-hydroxy-quinoline-3-carboxylate (2b): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 1 forthe synthesis of 2a using 4-fluoroaniline instead of aniline. ¹H NMR(DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 1.15 (3H, t, J=7.080 Hz), 4.1 (2H, q, J=7.08 Hz),7.61 (1H, dd, J=8.30, 2.93 Hz), 7.68 (1H, dd, J=9.03, 4.63 Hz), 7.80(1H, dd, J=9.27, 2.93 Hz), 8.56 (1H, s). m/z 236.5 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-chloro-6-fluoro-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3b): The title compoundwas prepared following the procedure described in Step 2 for thesynthesis of 3a using 2b instead of 2a. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.47(3H, t, J=7.08 Hz), 4.51 (2H, q, J=7.08 Hz), 7.63 (1H, m), 8.02 (1H, dd,J=9.52, 2.68 Hz), 8.15 (1H, dd, J=9.27, 5.37 Hz), 9.15 (1H, s). m/z254.6 (MH⁺).

8-Fluoro-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (4d): Thetitle compound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 3of the synthesis of 4a, using 3b and phenyl hydrazine. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆)δ (ppm): 7.16 (1H, t, J=13.67 Hz), 7.41 (2H, t, J=7.56 Hz), 7.55 (1H,dt, J=8.54, 2.93 Hz), 7.77 (1H, dd, J=9.27, 4.88 Hz), 7.90 (1H, dd,J=9.27, 2.93 Hz), 8.18 (2H, dd, J=7.58, 1.95 Hz), 8.73 (1H, s). m/z280.5 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 6,7-difluoro-4-hydroxy-quinoline-3-carboxylate (2c): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described Step 1 for thesynthesis of 2a using 3,4-difluoroaniline instead of aniline. ¹H NMR(DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 1.15 (3H, t, J=7.08 Hz), 4.1 (2H, q, J=7.08 Hz), 7.61(1H, dd, J=8.30, 2.93 Hz), 7.68 (1H, dd, J=4.63, 9.03 Hz), 7.80 (1H, dd,J=9.27, 2.93 Hz), 8.56 (1H, s). m/z 254.3 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-chloro-6,7-difluoro-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3c): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 2 forthe synthesis of 3a using 2c instead of 2a. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.47(3H, t, J=7.08 Hz), 4.56 (2H, q, J=7.08 Hz), 7.72 (1H, d, J=8.79 Hz),8.39 (1H, d, J=8.78 Hz), 9.23 (1H, s). m/z 271.6/273.6 (M⁺/M+2). m/z272.6 (MH⁺).

7,8-Difluoro-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (4e):The title compound was prepared following the procedure described inStep 3 for the synthesis of 4a, using 3c and phenyl hydrazine. ¹H NMR(DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 7.18 (1H, t, J=7.82 Hz), 7.43 (2H, dd, J=8.30, 7.33Hz), 7.75 (1H, dd, J=11.22, 7.32 Hz), 8.18, 3H, m), 8.90 (1H, s). m/z298.2 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-quinoline-3-carboxylate (2d): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 1 using4-methoxyaniline instead of aniline. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 1.24 (3H,t, J=6.86 Hz), 3.81 (3H, s), 4.19 (2H, q, J=6.86 Hz), 7.30 (1H, d,J=9.06, 3.02 Hz), 7.53 (2H, m), 8.45 (1H, s). m/z 248.3 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-chloro-6-methoxy-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3d): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 2 using2d. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.45 (3H, t, J=7.14 Hz), 3.99 (3H, s), 4.50(2H, q, J=7.14 Hz), 7.48 (1H, dd, J=9.33, 2.74 Hz), 7.61 (1H, d, J=2.47Hz), 8.05 (1H, d, J=9.34 Hz), 9.04 (1H, s). m/z 265.6/267.6 (M⁺/M+2).m/z 266.6 (MH⁺).

8-Methoxy-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (4f): Thetitle compound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 3using 3d and phenyl hydrazine. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 3.90 (3H, s),7.17 (1H, m), 7.27 (1H, dd, J=9.06, 2.64 Hz), 7.40 (2H, m), 7.57 (1H, d,J=3.02 Hz), 7.67 (1H, d, J=9.06 Hz), 8.20 (2H, m), 8.63 (1H, s). m/z292.3 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-hydroxy-7-methoxyquinoline-3-carboxylate (2e): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 1 using3-methoxyaniline instead of aniline. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 1.24 (3H,t, J=6.86 Hz), 3.83 (3H, s), 4.13 (2H, q, J=6.86 Hz), 6.96 (1H, m), 8.04(1H, d, J=8.06 Hz), 8.45 (1H, s). m/z 248.3 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-chloro-7-methoxy-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3e): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 2 using2e. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.45 (3H, t, J=7.14 Hz), 3.98 (3H, s), 4.46(2H, q, J=7.14 Hz), 7.31 (1H, dd, J=9.06, 2.74 Hz), 7.43 (1H, d, J=2.47Hz), 8.28 (1H, d, J=9.34 Hz), 9.16 (1H, s). m/z 265.6/267.6 (M⁺/M+2).m/z 265.6 (MH⁺).

7-Methoxy-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (4g): Thetitle compound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 3using 3e and phenyl hydrazine. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 3.86 (3H, s),7.10 (3H, m), 7.38 (2H, dd, J=8.24, 7.42 Hz), 8.09 (3H, m), 8.65 (1H, d,J=6.04 Hz). m/z 292.3 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-quinoline-3-carboxylate (2f): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 1 using4-methylaniline instead of aniline. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 1.24 (3H,t, J=6.86 Hz), 2.39 (3H, s), 4.16 (2H, q, J=6.86 Hz), 7.49 (2H, br),7.91 (1H, s), 8.46 (1H, s). m/z 232.3 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-chloro-6-methyl-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3f): The title compoundwas prepared following the procedure described in Step 2 using 2f ¹H NMR(CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.45 (3H, t, J=7.14 Hz), 2.61 (3H, s), 4.50 (2H, q,J=7.14 Hz), 7.66 (1H, dd, J=8.24, 1.92 Hz), 8.04 (1H, d, J=8.79 Hz),8.17 (1H, br), 9.13 (1H, s). m/z 250.6 (MH⁺).

8-Methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (4h): Thetitle compound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 3using 3f and phenyl hydrazine. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 2.46 (3H, s),7.16 (1H, t, J=7.41 Hz), 7.41 (2H, dd, J=8.51, 7.14 Hz), 7.46 (1H, dd,J=8.52, 1.92 Hz), 7.58 (1H, d, J=8.51 Hz), 8.00 (1H, br), 8.21 (2H, dd,J=7.69, 1.10 Hz), 8.66 (1H, s). m/z 276.3 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-chloro-2-methyl-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3g): A solution ofisatoic anhydride in N,N-dimethylacetamide was added to a solution ofsodium hydride (1.1 equiv.) and ethyl acetoacetate (1.1 equiv.) inN,N-dimethylacetamide with stirring at room temperature. The mixture washeated at 120° C. for 10 minutes. The solvent was removed in vacuo and4-hydroxy-2-methyl-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (2g) wasprecipitated with water followed by filtration. A suspension of4-hydroxy quinoline 2g was refluxed with phosphorus oxychloride for 30minutes. To the cooled reaction mixture was added aqueous ammonia andthe product was obtained by extracting with methylene chloride, driedover sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm):1.45 (3H, t, J=7.14 Hz), 2.72 (3H, s), 4.50 (2H, q, J=7.14 Hz), 7.62(1H, t, J=7.69 Hz), 7.74 (1H, dt, J=6.87, 1.10 Hz), 8.01 (1H, d, J=8.52Hz), 8.22 (1H, ddd, J=9.06, 0.82, 0.55 Hz). m/z 250.7 (MH⁺).

4-Methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one (41): Thetitle compound was synthesized following the procedure described in step3 using 3g and phenyl hydrazine. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 2.77 (3H, s),7.13 (1H, t, J=7.42 Hz), 7.45 (3H, m), 7.62 (2H, m), 8.20 (3H, m). m/z276.4 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-hydroxy-6-trifluoromethyl-quinoline-3-carboxylate (2h): Thetitle compound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 1for the synthesis of 2a using 4-trifluoromethylaniline instead ofaniline. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 1.26 (3H, t, J=7.14 Hz), 4.22 (2H, q,J=7.14 Hz), 7.80 (1H, d, J=9.34 Hz), 8.00 (m), 8.39 (1H, s), 8.64 (1H,s). m/z 286.5 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-chloro-6-trifluoromethyl-quinoline-3-carboxylate (3h): The titlecompound was prepared following the procedure described in Step 2 forthe synthesis of 3a using 2b instead of 2a. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.46(3H, t, J=7.14 Hz), 4.51 (2H, q, J=7.14 Hz), 8.00 (1H, dd, J=8.79, 1.92Hz), 8.26 (1H, d, J=8.79 Hz), 8.78 (1H, dd, J=1.92, 0.83 Hz), 9.34 (1H,s). m/z 304.6 (MH⁺).

2-Phenyl-8-trifluoromethyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c) quinolin-3-one(4j): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 3 of the synthesis of 4a, using 3b and phenyl hydrazine. ¹H NMR(DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 7.21 (1H, m), 7.42 (2H, t, J=7.56 Hz), 7.97 (1H, d,J=2.20 Hz), 8.00 (1H, d, J=2.20 Hz), 8.20 (1H, ddd, J=7.41, 1.10, 0.83Hz), 8.43 (2H, dd, J=1.33, 0.83 Hz), 8.82 (1H, s). m/z 330.2 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 6,7-difluoro-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-quinoline-3-carboxylate (21): Asolution of difluoro-isatoic anhydride in N,N-dimethylacetamide wasadded to a solution of sodium hydride (1.1 equiv.) and ethylacetoacetate (1.1 equiv.) in N,N-dimethylacetamide with stirring at roomtemperature. The mixture was heated at 120° C. for 10 minutes. Thesolvent was removed in vacuo and Ethyl6,7-difluoro-4-hydroxy-2-methyl-quinoline-3-carboxylate (21) wasprecipitated with water followed by filtration. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ(ppm): 1.21 (3H, t, J=7.14 hz), 2.30 (3H, s), 4.10 (2H, q, J=7.14 Hz),7.43 (1H, dd, J=10.71, 7.69 Hz), 7.82 (1H, dd, J=10.69, 8.24 Hz. m/z268.7 (MH⁺).

Ethyl 4-chloro-6,7-difluoro-2-methyl-quinoline-3-carboxylate (31): Asuspension of 6,7-difluoro-4-hydroxy quinoline 21 was refluxed withphosphorus oxychloride for 30 minutes. To the cooled reaction mixturewas added aqueous ammonia and the product was obtained by extractingwith methylene chloride, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated invacuo. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.44 (3H, t, J=7.14 Hz), 2.70 (3H, s),4.50 (2H, q, J=7.14 Hz), 7.62 (1H, t, J=7.69 Hz), 7.78 (1H, dd, J=10.71,7.69 Hz), 7.95 (2H, d, J=10.72, 8.24 Hz). m/z 286.7 (MH⁺).

7,8-Difluoro-4-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(4k): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in synthesis of 4a using 31 and phenyl hydrazine. ¹H NMR(DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 2.80 (3H, s), 6.87 (1H, m), 7.19 (1H, m), 7.34 (1H,m), 7.42 (1H, m), 7.61 (1H, m), 8.17 (1H, m). m/z 312.2 (MH⁺).

7,8-Difluoro-2-(thiophen-5-yl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(41): 1.05 equiv. of methyl 3-hydrazinylthiophene-2-carboxylate wasadded to a solution of 3c in ethanol. After 1.5 hr of stirring at roomtemperature, the solution was concentrated in vacuo and residue wasdissolved in chloroform and washed with aq. Sodium bicarbonate solution,dried and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting solid was suspended inethanol and stirred with 1N sodium hydroxide solution for 30 minutes,acidified with acetic acid and concentrated in vacuo. The solid wasfiltered, washed with water, dried and suspended in ethanol. 1N sodiumhydroxide was added and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 1 hr,acidified with acetic acid and the crystals were collected byfiltration. The yellow solid was combined with copper powder andquinoline and stirred at 190° C. for 1 hour. The copper was removed byfiltration and the filtrate was mixed with 1N sodium hydroxide solution,followed by extraction with ether. The separated aqueous layer wastreated with active charcoal, acidified with acetic acid to yieldcompound 41 as yellow solid. ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 7.58 (1H, dd,J=5.22, 3.30 Hz), 7.69 (1H, dd, J=11.26, 7.14 Hz), 7.74 (1H, dd, J=5.22,1.38 Hz), 7.80 (1H, m), 8.15 (1H, dd, J=10.7, 8.2 Hz), 8.77 (1H, d,J=6.2 Hz). m/z 304.2 (MH⁺).

7,8-Difluoro-2-(2′-pyridyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(4m): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in synthesis of 4a using 3c and pyridyl-2-hydrazine HCl.¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ (ppm): 7.31 (1H, t, J=7.86 Hz), 7.73 (1H, dd,J=11.26, 7.14 Hz), 8.01 (1H, dt, J=8.79, 1.65 Hz), 8.16 (1H, t, J=8.24Hz), 8.24 (1H, d, J=8.24 Hz), 8.50 (1H, d, J=3.85 Hz), 8.82 (1H, s). m/z299.3 (MH⁺).

Example 2

5-(2,6-Dimethylmorpholine-4-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(6): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using 2,6-dimethylmorpholine insteadof 4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.05 (3H, d, J=6.35),1.38 (3H, d, J=6.10), 2.76 (1H, m), 2.95 (1H, m), 3.15 (1H, m), 3.40(1H, m), 3.60 (1H, m), 4.40 (1H, m), 7.20 (1H, m), 7.55 (5H, m), 8.20(2H, m), 8.30 (1H, s), 8.45 (1H, m). m/z 403.5 (MH⁺).

Example 3

5-(4-(2-Methoxyethyl)-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(7): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using N-(2-methoxyethyl)piperazineinstead of 4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.4 (4H, m), 3.35(2H, m), 3.37 (3H, s), 3.45 (4H, m), 3.8 (2H, m), 7.20 (1H, tt, J=7.08,1.22), 7.40-7.65 (H. m), 8.18 (2H, m), 8.22 (1H, s), 8.40 (1H, m). m/z432.6 (MH⁺).

Example 4

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(8): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using 4-isopropylpiperazine instead of4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.0 (6H, d, 5.60), 2.40 (2H,bm), 2.75 (3H, bm), 3.2 (2H, bm), 3.8 (bm, 2H), 7.20 (m, 1H), 7.42 (3H,m), 7.58 (2H, m), 8.18 (2H, m), 8.25 (1H, s), 8.42 (1H, dd, J=7.57,1.95). m/z 416.5 (MH⁺).

Example 5

5-(2-Methylpyrrolidine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (9): The title compound was prepared following theprocedure described in Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using2-methylpyrrolidine instead of 4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 1.52 (3H, bd), 1.75 (1H, m), 1.87 (1H, m), 2.05 (1H, m), 2.27(1H, m), 3.31 (1H, br), 3.48 (1H, br), 4.37 (1H, br), 7.20 (1H, m), 7.45(2H, t, J=8.24 Hz), 7.58 (2H, m), 8.21 (2H, d, J=8.51 Hz), 8.27 (1H,br), 8.41 (1H, d, J=7.97 Hz). m/z 373.4 (MH⁺).

Example 6

5-(4-Phenylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (10): The title compound was prepared following theprocedure described in Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using1-phenylpiperazine instead of 4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 3.0-4.2 (8H, bs), 6.80 (2H, m), 7.24 (4H, m), 7.40 (3H, m), 7.61(2H, m), 8.18 (2H, m), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.42 (2H, m). m/z 450.5 (MH⁺).

Example 7

5-(3,5-Dimethylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(11): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using 2,6-dimethylpiperazine insteadof 4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 0.65 (3H, d), 1.1-3.9(4h, bm), 7.20 (1H, m), 7.38-7.62 (5H, m), 8.18 (2H, m), 8.21 (1H, m),8.41 (1H, m). m/z 402.5 (MH⁺).

Example 8

5-(Piperidine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(12): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using piperidine instead of4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.05 (6H, bm), 3.1-3.9 (4h,bm), 7.20 (1H, b), 8.22 (1H, m), 8.41 (1H, m). m/z 387.5 (MH⁺).

Example 9

5-(Morpholine-4-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(13): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using morpholine instead of4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 3.15-4.0 (8H, bm), 7.20 (1H,m), 7.38-7.62 (5H, m), 8.18 (2H, m), 8.21 (1H, m), 8.41 (1H, m). m/z375.5 (MH⁺).

Example 10

5-(4-Allylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (14): The title compound was prepared following theprocedure described in Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using1-allylpiperazine instead of 4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm):1.11 (1H, d, J=6.59 Hz), 2.65 (2H, m), 3.00 (2H, m), 3.48 (2H, m), 3.82(2H, m), 5.18 (1H, s), 5.21 (1H, m), 5.81 (1H, m), 7.21 (1H, t, J=8.54Hz), 7.45 (2H, m), 7.64 (2H, m), 8.19 (2H, d, J=8.79 Hz), 8.21 (1H, s),8.44 (1H, dt, J=7.56, 1.22 Hz). m/z 414.6 (MH⁺).

Example 11

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-(2′-fluorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(15): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4b and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm):1.05 (6H, d, J=5.60), 2.35-2.85 (5H, bm), 3.20 (2H, bm), 3.82 (2H, m),7.20-7.66 (7H, m), 8.32 (1H, b), 8.36 (1H, m). m/z 434.5 (MH⁺).

Example 12

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-(2′-fluorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(16): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4b and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.35(3H, s), 2.60 (4H, br), 7.65 (7H, m), 8.30 (2H, m). m/z 406.4 (MH⁺).

Example 13

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(17): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4c and 4-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm):1.05 (6H, d, J=6.59 Hz), 2.23 (2H, br), 2.67 (3H, br), 3.20 (2H, br),3.80 (3H, s), 3.82 (2H, br), 7.0 (2H, m), 7.40-7.65 (3H, m), 8.00 (2H,m), 8.30 (1H, br), 8.42 (1H, br). m/z 446.6 (MH⁺).

Example 14

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(18): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4c and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.35(3H, s), 2.35-2.68 (4H, br), 3.25 (2H, br), 3.80 (3H, s), 3.83 (2H, br),7.0 (2H, m), 7.40-7.65 (3H, m), 8.00 (2H, m), 8.30 (1H, br), 8.42 (1H,br). m/z 418.5 (MH⁺).

Example 15

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-fluoro-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(19): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4d and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm):1.0 (6H, d, J=6.60 Hz), 2.55 (4H, br), 2.80 (1H, m), 3.24 (2h, br), 3.80(2H, br), 7.18-7.5 (5H, m), 8.05 (1H, dd, J=8.31, 2.69 Hz), 8.18 (2H,m), 8.30 (1H, br). m/z 434.5 (MH⁺).

Example 16

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-fluoro-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(20): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4d and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.25(3H, s), 2.46 (4H, br), 3.25 (2H, br), 3.80 (2H, br), 7.20-7.50 (5H, m),8.03 (1H, dd, J=8.30, 2.68 Hz), 8.15 (2H, m), 8.26 (1H, s). m/z 406.5(MH⁺).

Example 17

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-7,8-difluoro-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(21): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 of the synthesis of 5 using 4e and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹HNMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.02 (6H, d, J=6.55 Hz), 2.6 (4H, br), 2.80 (1H,m), 3.3-4.0 (4H, br), 7.18 (1H, tt, J=7.57, 0.89 Hz), 7.35 (1H, dd,J=11.23, 6.59 Hz), 7.45 (2H, m), 8.16 (3H, m), 8.26 (1H, s). m/z 452.5(MH⁺).

Example 18

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-7,8-difluoro-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(22): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 of the synthesis of 5 using 4e and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR(CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.40 (3H, s) 2.55 (4H, br), 2.80 (1H, m), 3.3-4.0 (4H,br), 7.18 (1H, tt, J=7.57, 0.89 Hz), 7.35 (1H, dd, J=11.23, 6.59 Hz),7.45 (2H, m), 8.16 (3H, m), 8.22 (1H, s). m/z 424.5 (MH⁺).

Example 19

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-methoxy-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(23): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4f and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm):1.0 (6H, d, J=6.60 Hz), 2.55 (4H, br), 2.80 (1H, m), 3.24 (2h, br), 3.80(2H, br), 7.18-7.5 (5H, m), 8.05 (1H, dd, J=8.31, 2.69 Hz), 8.18 (2H,m), 8.30 (1H, br). m/z 446.5 (MH⁺).

Example 20

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-7-methoxy-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(24): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedStep 4 using 4g and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 0.98(6H, d, J=6.59 Hz), 2.44 (4H, br), 2.80 (1H, m), 3.24 (2H, br), 3.80(2H, br), 3.82 (3H, s), 6.79 (1H, d, J=2.20 Hz), 7.05 (1H, dd, J=8.79,2.20 Hz), 7.10 (1H, m), 7.38 (2H, m), 8.12 (2H, m), 8.14 (1H, s), 8.30(1H, d, J=8.06 Hz). m/z 446.5 (MH⁺).

Example 21

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(25): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4h and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm):1.00 (6H, d, J=6.60 Hz), 2.45 (2H, br), 2.55 (3H, s), 2.75 (3H, m), 3.24(2H, br), 3.84 (2H, br), 7.22 (1H, t, J=7.41 Hz), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.79Hz), 7.44 (3H, m), 8.20 (3H, m), 8.23 (1H, s). m/z 430.5 (MH⁺).

Example 22

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(26): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4h and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.33(3H, s), 2.45 (2H, br), 2.52 (3H, s), 2.45 (2H, br), 3.24 (2H, br), 3.84(2H, br), 7.22 (1H, t, J=7.41 Hz), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.79 Hz), 7.44 (3H,m), 8.20 (3H, m), 8.23 (1H, s). m/z 402.4 (MH⁺).

Example 23

5-(4-Hydroxypiperidine-1-carbonyl)-8-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(27): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4h and 4-hydroxypiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.90(4H, br), 2.51 (3H, s), 3.11 (1H, br), 3.42 (1H, br), 3.78 (1H, br),4.10 (2H, br), 7.22 (1H, t, J=7.41 Hz), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.79 Hz), 7.44(3H, m), 8.20 (3H, m), 8.23 (1H, s). m/z 403.5 (MH⁺).

Example 24

5-(4-Fluoropiperidine-1-carbonyl)-8-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(28): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4h and 4-fluoropiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.90(4H, br), 2.51 (3H, s), 3.58 (4H, br), 5.00 (1H, br), 7.22 (1H, t,J=7.41 Hz), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.79 Hz), 7.44 (3H, m), 8.20 (3H, m), 8.23(1H, s). m/z 405.5 (MH⁺).

Example 25

5-(4-Methylperhydro[1,4]-diazepine-1-carbonyl)-8-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(29): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4h and 1-methylperhydro[1,4]-Diazepine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 1.90 (4H, br), 2.51 (3H, s), 3.58 (4H, br), 5.00 (1H, br), 7.22(1H, t, J=7.41 Hz), 7.33 (1H, d, J=8.79 Hz), 7.44 (3H, m), 8.20 (3H, m),8.23 (1H, s). m/z 416.5 (MH⁺).

Example 26

5-(4-Hydroxypiperidine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(30): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4-hydroxypiperidine instead of 4-methylpiperidine. ¹HNMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.0 (3H, d, J=6.59), 1.6 (4H, m), 1.84 (1H, m),3.14 (1H, m), 3.30 (1H, m), 4.01, (1H, m), 4.60 (1H, m), 7.20 (1H, t,J=8.57), 7.38 (1H, m), 7.68-7.42 (4H, m), 8.18 (2H, m), 8.28 (1H, s),8.44 (1H, d, J=8.81 Hz). m/z 387.5 (MH⁺).

Example 27

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-fluoro-2-pyridyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(31) The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using8-fluoro-2-pyridyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinoline-3-one and1-i-propylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.0 (6H, d, J=6.59 Hz),2.51 (4H, br), 2.66 (1H, m), 3.55 (2H, m), 3.68 (1H, br), 3.85 (1H, br),6.70 (1H, m), 7.18 (2H, m), 7.60 (2H, m), 7.82 (2H, m), 8.21 (1H, dd,J=9.06, 5.50 Hz), 8.90 (1H, s). m/z 434.5 (MH⁺).

Example 28

5-(Dimethylaminocarbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(32) The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using dimethylamine instead of4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.88 (3H, br), 3.26 (3H,br), 7.16 (1H, m), 7.38 (3H, m), 7.55 (2H, m), 8.18 (2H, dd, J=7.41,1.10 Hz), 8.27 (1H, s), 8.42 (1H, dd, J=7.69, 1.37 Hz), m/z 333.6 (MH⁺).

Example 29

5-(4-N,N-Dimethylaminopiperidine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(33): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5 using 4-N,N-dimethylaminopiperidine. ¹HNMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.11 (2H, m), 1.80 (2H, m), 2.61 (3H, s), 2.75 (3H,s), 3.15 (2H, br), 3.58 (2H, br), 3.81 (1H, br), 7.20 (1H, m), 7.42 (3H,m), 7.60 (2H, m), 8.20 (2H, m), 8.23 (1H, s), 8.44 (1H, dd, J=6.32, 1.10Hz). m/z 416.5 (MH⁺).

Example 30

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-morpholino-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(34) The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using8-morpholino-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinoline-3-one and1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.02 (6H, d, J=6.59 Hz),2.40-2.84 (6H, br), 3.20 (2H, br), 3.32 (4H, br), 3.93 (4H, tt,), 7.24(3H, tt, J=8.77, 1.22 Hz), 7.35 (1H, d, J=9.03 Hz), 7.45 (2H, dd,J=8.06, 7.32 Hz), 7.73 (1H, d, J=2.73 Hz), 8.16 (1H, s), 8.20 (2H). m/z416.5 (MH⁺).

Example 31

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-fluoro-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(35): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 8-fluoro-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.03(6H, d, J=6.60 Hz), 2.56 (4H, br), 2.78 (1H, m), 3.25 (2H, br), 3.84(2H, br), 7.49 (2H, d, J=9.06 Hz), 7.60 (1H, dt, J=9.06, 3.02 Hz), 7.81(1H, dd, J=9.34, 4.67 Hz), 7.87 (1H, dd, J=8.79, 3.02 Hz), 8.24 (2H, d,J=9.06 Hz), 8.76 (1H, br). m/z 468.9 (MH⁺).

Example 32

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(36): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using 1-methylpiperazine instead of4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.39 (3H, s), 2.42 (2H, br),2.60 (2H, br), 3.25 (2H, br), 3.87 (2H, br), 7.20 (1H, m), 7.42 (3H, m),7.60 (2H, m), 8.20 (2H, m), 8.23 (1H, s), 8.44 (1H, dd, J=6.32, 1.10Hz). m/z 388.4 (MH⁺).

Example 33

5-(4-Phenylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-fluoro-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(37): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4d and 1-phenylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 3.20(4H, br), 3.38 (2H, br), 3.87 (2H, br), 6.92 (4H, m), 7.28 (3H, m), 7.46(3H, m), 8.08 (1H, dd, J=8.30, 2.93 Hz), 8.18 (2H, m), 8.26 (1H, s). m/z468.5 (MH⁺).

Example 34

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-7,8-difluoro-2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(38): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using7,8-difluoro-2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-oneand 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.03 (6H, d, J=6.60Hz), 2.56 (4H, br), 2.78 (1H, m), 3.25 (2H, br), 3.78 (2H, br), 3.84(3H, s), 6.98 (2H, dd, J=9.07, 2.20 Hz), 7.28 (1H, m), 8.04 (2H, m),8.19 (2H, m). m/z 482.5 (MH⁺).

Example 35

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-8-fluoro-2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(39): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using8-fluoro-2-(4′-methoxyphenyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinoline-3-oneand 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 1.03 (6H, d, J=6.59Hz), 2.56 (4H, br), 2.78 (1H, m), 3.25 (2H, br), 3.78 (2H, br), 3.84(3H, s), 6.98 (2H, d, J=9.33 Hz), 7.28 (1H, m), 7.47 (1H, dd, J=9.34,4.39 Hz), 8.04 (3H, m), 8.19 (1H, s). m/z 464.5 (MH⁺).

Example 36

5-(4-Propylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one (40): The title compound was prepared following theprocedure described in Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using1-propylpiperazine instead of 4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 1.11 (3H, t, J=7.96 Hz), 1.45 (2H, m), 2.38 (2H, m), 2.65 (4H,br), 3.25 (2H, br), 3.82 (2H, br), 7.21 (1H, brt, J=8.54 Hz), 7.45 (2H,m), 7.64 (2H, m), 8.19 (2H, d, J=8.79 Hz), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.44 (1H, dt,J=7.56, 1.22 Hz). m/z 416.6 (MH⁺).

Example 37

8-Fluoro-7-methyl-5-(4-methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(41): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 for the synthesis of 5, using8-fluoro-7-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinoline-3-oneand 1-methylpiperazine instead of 4 and 4-methylpiperidine. ¹H NMR(CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.39 (3H, s), 2.36 (3H, s), 2.62 (4H, br), 3.25 (2H,br), 3.81 (3H, br), 7.18 (2H, m), 7.45 (2H, m), 8.01 (1H, d, J=8.96 Hz),8.15 (2H, m), 8.18 (1H, s). m/z 420.5 (MH⁺).

Example 38

8-Methoxy-5-(4-methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(42): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4f and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.33(3H, s), 2.45 (4H, br), 3.26 (2H, br), 3.86 (2H, br), 3.98 (3H, s) 7.19(2H, m), 7.40 (3H, m), 7.78 (1H, d, J=3.02 Hz), 8.20 (3H, m). m/z 418.5(MH⁺).

Example 39

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-4-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(43): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in step 4 using 4i and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆)δ (ppm): 0.94 (6H, d, J=6.60 Hz), 2.25 (4H, br), 2.65 (1H, m), 3.05 (3H,s), 3.56 (4H, br), 7.51 (6H, m), 7.80 (1H, t, J=7.14 Hz), 7.91 (1H, d,J=8.24 Hz), 8.14 (1H, d, J=8.51 Hz). m/z 446.5 (MH⁺).

Example 40

4-Methyl-5-(4-methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(44): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in step 4 using 4i and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ(ppm): 2.08 (4H, br), 2.20 (3H, s), 3.05 (3H, s), 3.56 (4H, br), 7.51(6H, m), 7.84 (1H, t, J=7.54 Hz), 7.93 (1H, d, J=8.24 Hz), 8.15 (1H, d,J=8.25 Hz). m/z 418.5 (MH⁺).

Example 41

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-8-trifluoromethyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(45): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in step 4 using 4j and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 2.35 (3H, s), 2.48 (2H, br), 2.52 (2H, br), 3.27 (2H, br), 3.83(2H, br), 7.20 (1H, m), 7.42 (2H, m), 7.57 (1H, d, J=9.0 Hz), 7.82 (1H,dd, J=9.0, 2.2 Hz), 8.16 (2H, m), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.69 (1H, dd, J=1.4, 0.8Hz). m/z 456.5 (MH⁺).

Example 42

5-(4-Isopropyl-piperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-8-trifluoromethyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(46): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in step 4 using 4j and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 1.35 (6H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 2.52 (4H, br), 3.53 (5H, br), 7.20 (1H,m), 7.42 (2H, m), 7.57 (1H, d, J=9.0 Hz), 7.82 (1H, dd, J=9.0, 2.2 Hz),8.16 (2H, m), 8.21 (1H, s), 8.69 (1H, dd, J=1.4, 0.8 Hz). m/z 484.3(MH⁺).

Example 43

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-7,8-difluoro-4-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(47): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 of the synthesis of 5 using 4k and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR(CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.40 (3H, s), 2.40 (4H, br), 2.75 (3H, s), 3.53 (2H,br), 3.70 (2H, br), 7.53 (3H, m), 7.67 (2H, m), 7.76 (1H, dd, J=11.6,7.4 Hz), 8.19 (1H, dd, J=10.7, 8.3 Hz). m/z 438.5 (MH⁺).

Example 44

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-7,8-difluoro-4-methyl-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-(4,3-c)quinolin-3-one(48): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4k and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ (ppm):1.41 (6H, d, J=7.2 Hz), 3.13 (3H, s), 3.63 (5H, br), 4.21 (2H, br), 4.61(2H, br), 7.20 (1H, m), 7.42 (2H, m), 7.67 (3H, m), 7.81 (2H, m), 7.98(1H, s), 8.54 (1H, dd, J=1.4, 0.8 Hz). m/z 465.3 (MH⁺).

Example 45

5-(4-Methylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-2-(thiophen-3-yl)-7,8-difluoro-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(49): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in step 4 using 4l and 1-methylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 2.35 (3H, s), 2.55 (4H, br), 3.42 (2H, br), 3.80 (2H, br), 7.35(2H, m), 7.80 (1H, dd, J=5.2, 1.4 Hz), 7.86 (1H, dd, J=3.3, 1.3 Hz),8.13 (1H, dd, J=9.9, 8.2 Hz), 8.18 (1H, s). m/z 430.5 (MH⁺).

Example 44

5-(4-Hydroxypiperidine-1-carbonyl)-2-(thiophen-3-yl)-7,8-difluoro-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(50): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in step 4 using 4l and 4-hydroxypiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 1.7 (4H, br), 2.82 (1H, br), 3.52 (1H, br), 3.82 (2H, br), 4.15(1H, br), 7.35 (2H, m), 7.80 (1H, dd, J=5.2, 1.4 Hz), 7.86 (1H, dd,J=3.3, 1.3 Hz), 8.13 (1H, dd, J=9.9, 8.2 Hz), 8.18 (1H, s). m/z 431.3(MH⁺).

Example 45

5-(4-Hydroxypiperidine-1-carbonyl)-2-phenyl-7,8-difluoro-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(51): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in step 4 using 4e and 4-hydroxypiperidine. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ(ppm): 1.5-2.0 (4H, br), 2.85 (1H, ddd, J=13.5, 10.2, 3.3 Hz), 3.52 (1H,br), 3.82 (2H, br), 4.15 (1H, br), 7.34 (2H, m), 7.46 (2H, dd, J=3.3,1.3 Hz), 8.14 (3H, m), 8.21 (1H, s). m/z 425.3 (MH⁺).

Example 46

5-(4-Methylperhydro[1,4]-diazepine-1-carbonyl)-7,8-difluoro-2-phenyl-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(52): The title compound was synthesized following the proceduredescribed in step 4 using 4e and 1-methylperhydro[1,4]-Diazepine. ¹H NMR(CDCl₃) δ (ppm): 2.01 (2H, br), 2.40 (3H, s), 2.58 (2H, br), 2.76 (1H,br), 2.82 (1H, br), 3.37 (2H, br), 3.82 (2H, br), 7.34 (2H, m), 7.46(2H, dd, J=3.3, 1.3 Hz), 8.14 (3H, m), 8.21 (1H, s). m/z 438.3 (MH⁺).

Example 47

5-(4-Isopropylpiperazine-1-carbonyl)-7,8-difluoro-2-(2′-pyridyl)-2,5-dihydro-pyrazolo-[4,3-c]quinolin-3-one(53): The title compound was prepared following the procedure describedin Step 4 using 4m and 1-isopropylpiperazine. ¹H NMR (CD₃OD) δ (ppm):1.14 (6H, d, J=6.6 Hz), 2.64 (2H, br), 2.84 (3H, br), 3.65 (2H, br),3.86 (2H, br), 7.35 (1H, m), 7.90 (2H, m), 8.18 (1H, d, J=8.24 Hz), 8.25(1H, dd, J=10.44, 8.24 Hz), 8.53 (1H, m), 9.27 (1H, s). m/z 453.3 (MH⁺).

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES

The ability of a compound of the invention to act as ligand to thebenzodiazepine site of GABA_(A) can be determined using pharmacologicalmodels which are well known in the art using the following assay.

Benzodiazepine Binding Assay

Whole brain (except cerebellum) of male Wistar derived rats weighing175±25 g were used to prepare GABA_(A) central benzodiazepine receptorin Na—K phosphate buffer pH 7.4. A 5 mg aliquot was incubated with 1 nM(³H)-flunitrazepam for 60 minutes at 25° C. Experiments were performedin the presence or absence of 30 μM of GABA. Non-specific binding wasestimated in the presence of 10 μM of diazepam. Membranes were filteredand washed, the filters were then counted to determine(3H)-flunitrazepam specifically bound. Test compounds were tested induplicate according to the required concentrations (Damm, H. W., et al.(1978) Res. Comm. Chem. Pathol. Pharmacol. 22: 597-560 incorporatedherein in its entirety; Speth, R. C., et al. (1979) Life Sci. 24:351-357 incorporated herein in its entirety). All compounds exemplifiedhave IC₅₀, between 1 nM and 10 μM in a 3-concentration dose responsecurve.

Examples of Activity

wherein:

A indicates an IC₅₀ of >1 mM

B indicates an IC₅₀ of <1 mM

C indicates an IC₅₀ of <1 nM

All compounds disclosed in Table 1 are assumed to be drawn as neutral.If not indicated, a hydrogen atom is assumed to be present on nitrogenatoms to provide a neutral compound. Note that salts, including acidaddition salts, are also contemplated.

TABLE 1 BZ binding Assay Compd Structure IC50 5

B 6

B 7

B 8

B 9

B 10

B 11

B 12

B 13

A 14

B 15

B 16

B 17

B 18

B 19

B 20

B 21

B 22

B 23

B 24

25

B 26

B 27

B 28

B 29

B 30

A 31

B 32

B 33

B 34

B 35

B 36

B 37

B 38

B 39

B 40

B 41

B 42

B 43

B 44

B 45

C 46

B 47

A 48

A 49

B 50

B 51

A 52

B 53

A

The modulation of GABA_(A) function is determined by changes in currentas determined in an electrophysiology assay, as is detailed below.

Electrophysiology Assay

Preparation of RNA

mRNA was prepared from lyophilized plasmid pellets containing cDNAinserts encoding the specific GABA_(A) receptor subunit. cDNAs encodingthe α2, α3, and γ3 subunits were subcloned into pBluescript, SK′. cDNAsencoding the a 1 and a 5 subunits were subcloned into prC while cDNAencoding the β2 subunit was subcloned into pcDNA1. The cDNA constructencoding the g 2s subunit is in the pGH19 expression construct.Overnight cultures of transformed DH5a bacterial cells were performed togrow sufficient quantities for maxiprep isolation of the plasmid cDNA.The resulting plasmid cDNA was linearized by digestion with anappropriate restriction enzyme that cleaves distal to the cDNA insert[XbaI (α1, β2), NotI (α3, γ2 s), SacII (α2), or ApaI (α5)]. Followingdigestion, plasmid cDNA was treated with proteinase K and extracted withphenol/chloroform/isoamyl alcohol, followed by ethanol precipitation.cDNA quality was assessed by agarose-gel electrophoresis (1.5% agarosegel). Samples were stored at −20° C. until use. In vitro transcriptionwas performed with T7 RNA polymerase. mRNA was then stored at −80° C.until use. Plasmids were linearized with appropriate restriction enzymesbefore in vitro transcription using the Message Machine kit (Ambion,Austin, Tex.).

GABA_(A) Receptor Expression in Xenopus oocytes.

GABA_(A) receptor expression in Xenopus oocytes: Following 45 min of0.15% Tricaine anesthesia, an ovarian section containing the follicularoocytes was removed from the frog through a lateral abdominal incision.Oocytes were immediately placed in a calcium-free solution (NaCl 96 mM,MgCl₂ 1 mM, KCl 2 mM, Hepes 50 mM, pyruvate 2.5 mM, gentamycin 100μg/mL, penicillin-streptomycin 50 U/mL, pH 7.4). Following 1.5-2 hourincubation in 0.2% collagenase (type II, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis,Mo.) at room temperature, individual Dumont stage V and VI oocytes weretransferred to an incubator and maintained overnight in Barth's solution(NaCl 84 mM, NaHCO₃ 2.4 mM, MgSO₄ 0.82 mM, KCl 1 mM, Ca(NO₃)₂ 0.33 mM,CaCl₂ 0.41 mM, Tris/HCl 7.5 mM, pyruvate 2.5 mM, gentamycin 50 μg/mL,penicillin-streptomycin, 100 units/mL, pH 7.4) at 18-20° C. and used forexperiments 1-5 days post-injection. Oocytes were injected solutionusing an electronic microinjector (Drummond, Broomall, Pa.) with 50 mLof RNA containing 0.3-0.5 ng of each subunit RNA in a 1:1:2 ratio. Theinjected oocytes were used for experiments after 1-5 days of incubationin Barth's solution at 18-20° C.

Electrophysiology:

Measurements of ion currents from oocytes expressing GABA_(A) receptorswere performed using a Warner two-electrode voltage-clamp amplifier(Warner Instruments, Inc., Foster City, Calif.) (Park-Chung, M., et al.(1999) Brain Res. 830: 72-87 incorporated herein in its entirety).Microelectrodes were fabricated from borosilicate glass capillaries witha programmed pipette puller (Sutter Instrument Co., CA). Microelectroderesistance was 1-3 MΩ when filled with 3 M KCl. The oocyte recordingchamber was continuously perfused with ND-96 solution. Oocytes wereclamped at a holding potential of −70 mV during data acquisition. Themembrane current was filtered at 10 Hz and sampled at 100 Hz. Compoundswere applied by a gravity-driven external perfusion system. The workingvolume of the recording chamber was 30 mL and the rate of the perfusionwas approximately 50 mL/sec. Compound application was 20-25 sec followedby a minimum of 150 sec wash. Data acquisition and external perfusionwas computer controlled by custom-developed software. All experimentswere performed at room temperature (22-24° C.). Dose-response data fromeach oocyte were fitted to the Hill equation by non-linear regressionusing the equation:

I _(GABA) =Emax/(1+(EC ₅₀ /c)nH)

Emax is the maximum response, EC₅₀ is the concentration producing 50% ofthe maximal response, nH is the Hill coefficient and c is theconcentration of agonist. Based on the GABA concentration-response curvefit, an EC₂₀ for GABA was determined for each subunit combination, andthis concentration was used for subsequent modulatorconcentration-response studies. Peak current measurements werenormalized and expressed as a fraction of the peak control currentmeasurements. Control current responses to an EC₂₀ concentration of GABAwere re-determined after every 2-4 modulator applications. Percentmodulation was determined by the equation:

% change=(I′/I−1)×100

where I is the control response at the GABA EC₂₀ and I′ the response inthe presence of modulator (Lippa A, et al. (2005) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.USA 102(20): 7380-7385 incorporated herein in its entirety).

Some compounds showed positive modulation and some showed negativemodulation at a screening concentration of 10 μM.

Object Recognition Assay

Effect on animal behavior, specifically improvement of cognitivefunction (including but not limited to both short-term/working memoryand long-term memory), can be determined using a number of establishedprotocols. One method, novel object recognition, is described below.

Object Recognition Assay

Object recognition is an ethologically relevant task for rodents, whichdoes not result from negative reinforcement (foot shock). This taskrelies on the natural curiosity of rodents to explore novel objects intheir environments more than familiar ones. Obviously, for an object tobe “familiar,” the animal must have attended to it before and rememberedthat experience. Hence, animals with better memory will attend andexplore a new object more than an object familiar to them. Duringtesting, the animal is presented with the training object and a second,novel one. Memory of the training object renders it familiar to theanimal, and it then spends more time exploring the new novel objectrather than the familiar one (Bourtchouladze, R., et al. (2003) Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100: 10518-10522 incorporated herein in itsentirety). Recent neuroimaging studies in humans demonstrated thatmemory in object recognition depends on prefrontal cortex (PFC)(Deibert, E., et al. (1999) Neurology 52: 1413-1417 incorporated hereinin its entirety). Consistent with these findings, rats with the PFClesions show poor working memory when they are required to discriminatebetween familiar and novel objects (Mitchell, J. B. and Laiacona, J.(1998) Behav. Brain Res. 97: 107-113 incorporated herein in itsentirety). Other studies on monkeys and rodents suggest that thehippocampus is important for novel object recognition (Teng, E. et al.(2000) J. Neuroscience 20: 3853-3863 incorporated herein in itsentirety; Mumby, D. G. (2001) Behavioural Brain Research 127: 159-181incorporated herein in its entirety). Hence, object recognition providesan excellent behavioral model to evaluate drug-compound effects oncognitive task associated with function of hippocampus and cortex.

The strength of memory retention in most cases is dependent on theamount of training (repetition of explicit or implicit trials). This“memory acquisition curve” can be influenced by many experimental andphysical variables, which include, but are not limited to, temperature,humidity, ambient noise, lighting levels, the size of the trainingarena, the size and dimensions of the objects, the physical textures andcolors of the training arena and the animal's stress levels,motivational states or experiences prior to training. To evaluate memoryenhancing compounds for NOR, the experimenter must parameterize trainingduration to define (i) the duration (amount of training) required toreach an asymptotic (high) level of memory retention and (ii) a lesserduration at which memory retention is sub-maximal. Memory enhancingcompounds will produce higher memory retention with submaximal training(but may have no measurable effect with asymptotic (“maximal”) training.Typically, the difference between sub-maximal and asymptotic memory mustbe sufficiently larger to yield appropriate statistical power. Anexample which follows:

Prior to initiation of training, animals were handled and habituated tothe training arena. Appropriately sized arenas were used for differentspecies (e.g. for mice: a Plexiglas box of L=48 cm; W=38 cm and H=20 cm;for rats: a Plexiglas box of L=70 cm; W=60 cm and H=35 cm). The daybefore training, an individual animal was placed into a trainingapparatus located in a dimly lit room and allowed to habituate to theenvironment for 15 minutes (also see (Pittenger, C., et al. (2002)Neuron 34: 447-462 incorporated herein in its entirety; Bourtchouladze,R., et al. (2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100: 10518-10522incorporated herein in its entirety). Training was initiated 24 h hoursafter habituation. An animal was placed back into the training box,which contained two identical objects (e.g. a small conus-shape object),and was allowed to explore these objects. The objects were placed intothe central area of the box and the spatial position of objects(left-right sides) was counterbalanced between subjects. Animals weretrained for 15 minutes. To test for memory retention, animals wereobserved for 10 minutes 24 hours after training. A rodent was presentedwith two objects, one of which was used during training, and thus was‘familiar’ and the other of which was novel (e.g. a small pyramid-shapeobject). To ensure that the discrimination targets do not differ insmell, after each experimental subject, the apparatus and the objectswere thoroughly cleaned with 90% ethanol, dried and ventilated for a fewminutes.

The experiments were videotaped via an overhead video camera system.Types were then reviewed by a blinded observer and the followingbehavioral parameters were determined: time of exploration of an eachobject; the total time of exploration of the objects; number ofapproaches to the objects; and time (latency) to first approach to anobject. The discrimination index—memory score—was determined asdescribed previously (Ennaceur, A. and Aggleton, J. P. (1997) Behav.Brain Res. 88: 181-193 incorporated herein in its entirety;Bourtchouladze, R., et. al. (2003) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100:10518-10522 incorporated herein in its entirety). This Data was analyzedby Student's unpaired t test using a software package (Statview 5.0.1;SAS Institute, Inc). All values in the text and figures are expressed asmean±SEM.

For NOR, 1-hr memory retention represents a measure of decremental,short-term memory (usually transcription independent), which contributesto cognitive functions, such as working memory (radial arm maze, delayedmatch to sample, etc), executive function (task-switching, etc.) andattentional processes (priming, etc). Twenty-four hour memory retentionrepresents a measure of long-term memory, to which STM is convertedthrough the molecular and cellular processes of memory consolidation.LTM contributes to lasting cognitive functions such as reference memory.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications that are within the spirit and scopeof the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃, andR₄ are each independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, hydroxy, halo, cyano, —CONR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(a)R_(b),hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, amino(C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro, and(C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro; each R_(a) andR_(b) are independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl,(C₁-C₆)alkylOC(O)—, or arylOC(O)—, or R_(a) and R_(b) are taken togetherwith the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a heterocycle groupoptionally substituted with one or more R_(d); wherein the heterocyclegroup optionally include one or more groups selected from O (oxygen),S(O)_(z), and NR_(c); each z is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2;each R₁ is independently hydrogen, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl,—C(O)O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(O)Oaryl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkylO(CH₂)_(m)—, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,heterocycle, arylO(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(O)NR_(g)(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—C(O)NR_(g)aryl, —S(O)_(z)(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —S(O)_(z)aryl,—C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl, arylC(O)—, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted withup to 5 fluoro, or (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro; each m is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; each R_(d)is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,oxo, hydroxy, —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl,aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro;R_(e) and R_(f) are each independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, —S(O)_(z)(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—S(O)_(z)aryl, —CONR_(g)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), (C₁-C₆)alkylC(O)—, arylC(O)—,(C₁-C₆)alkylOC(O)—, and arylOC(O)—; R_(g) is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl;R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, and aryl, or R₅and R₆ are taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedto form a heterocycle group optionally substituted with one or moreR_(d); wherein the heterocycle group optionally include one or moregroups selected from O (oxygen), S(O)_(z), and NR_(c); R₇ is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo,hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro; Aris aryl, or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or more R₈;and each R₈ is independently hydrogen, halo, CF₃, CF₂H, hydroxy, cyano,nitro, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, —NR_(a)R_(b),aryl, heteroaryl or heterocycle.
 2. The compound of claim 1, wherein Aris a heteroaryl selected from the group consisting of thienyl andpyridyl, each optionally substituted with one or more R₈.
 3. Thecompound of claim 1, wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are each independentlyhydrogen, halo, cyano, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, or (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro; R₅and R₆ are taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedto form a heterocycle group optionally substituted with one or moreR_(d); wherein the heterocycle group optionally include one or moregroups selected from O (oxygen), and NR_(c); and R₇ is hydrogen or(C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro.
 4. The compoundof claim 1 that has the formula Ia:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 5. The compound of claim1 wherein R₅ and R₆, together with the nitrogen to which they areattached, form a piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl, orthiomorpholinyl ring.
 6. The compound of claim 1 that has the formula Ib

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X is N(R_(c)), O(oxygen), C(R_(d))₂, or S(O)_(z); z is an integer selected from 0, 1,and 2; each R_(d) is independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, halo, oxo, hydroxy, —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(a)R_(b),hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionallysubstituted with up to 5 fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionallysubstituted with up to 5 fluoro; and n is an integer selected from 0, 1,and 2; with the proviso that when n=0 then X is C(R_(d))₂.
 7. Thecompound of claim 6 that has the formula Ic:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 8. The compound of claim4 that has the formula Id:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein n is an integerselected from 0, 1, and
 2. 9. The compound of claim 8 wherein n is 0.10. The compound of claim 8 wherein n is
 1. 11. The compound of claim 8wherein n is
 2. 12. The compound of claim 8 wherein R₂ is Methyl. 13.The compound of claim 8 wherein R₂ is trifluoromethyl.
 14. The compoundof claim 8 wherein R₂ is fluoro.
 15. The compound of claim 8 wherein R₂is OMe.
 16. The compound of claim 8 wherein R₃ is Methyl.
 17. Thecompound of claim 8 wherein R₃ is fluoro.
 18. The compound of claim 8wherein R₃ is OMe.
 19. The compound of claim 8 wherein R₇ is Methyl. 20.The compound of claim 8 wherein R₂ and R₃ are fluoro.
 21. The compoundof claim 8 wherein R₂ and R₃ are Methyl.
 22. The compound of claim 8wherein R₂ is fluoro and R₃ is methyl.
 23. The compound of claim 8 thathas the formula Ie:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 24. The compound of claim1 that has the formula II:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: each Y isindependently N or C(R₈).
 25. The compound of claim 24 wherein R₅ andR₆, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form apiperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl, or thiomorpholinyl ring, eachoptionally substituted with one or more R_(d).
 26. The compound of claim24 that has the formula IIb:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 27. The compound of claim26 wherein n is
 0. 28. The compound of claim 26 wherein n is
 1. 29. Thecompound of claim 26 wherein n is
 2. 30. The compound of claim 26wherein R₂ is Methyl.
 31. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₂ istrifluoromethyl.
 32. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₂ is fluoro. 33.The compound of claim 26 wherein R₂ is OMe.
 34. The compound of claim 26wherein R₃ is Methyl.
 35. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₃ is fluoro.36. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₃ is OMe.
 37. The compound ofclaim 26 wherein R₇ is Methyl.
 38. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₂and R₃ are fluoro.
 39. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₂ and R₃ areMethyl.
 40. The compound of claim 26 wherein R₂ is fluoro and R₃ ismethyl.
 41. The compound of claim 26 that has the formula IIc:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 42. The compound of claim41 that has the formula IId:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 43. The compound of claim41 that has the formula IIe:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 44. The compound of claim41 that has the formula IIf:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 45. The compound of claim1 that is selected from the group consisting of

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 46. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising: a) a compound of claim 1; and b) apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 47. A method of modulation of oneor more GABA_(A) subtypes in an animal comprising administering to theanimal an effective amount of a compound of formula (I):

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃, andR₄ are each independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, hydroxy, halo, cyano, —CONR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(a)R_(b),hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, amino(C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro, and(C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro; each R_(a) andR_(b) are independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl,(C₁-C₆)alkylOC(O)—, or arylOC(O)—, or R_(a) and R_(b) are taken togetherwith the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a heterocycle groupoptionally substituted with one or more R_(d); wherein the heterocyclegroup optionally include one or more groups selected from O (oxygen),S(O)_(z), and NR_(c); each z is an integer selected from 0, 1, and 2;each R₁ is independently hydrogen, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl,—C(O)O(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(O)Oaryl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl,(C₁-C₆)alkylO(CH₂)_(m)—, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,heterocycle, arylO(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —C(O)NR_(g)(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—C(O)NR_(g)aryl, —S(O)_(z)(C₁-C₆)alkyl, —S(O)_(z)aryl,—C(O)(C₁-C₆)alkyl, arylC(O)—, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted withup to 5 fluoro, or (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro; each m is an integer selected from 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; each R_(d)is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,oxo, hydroxy, —C(O)NR_(a)R_(b), —NR_(a)R_(b), hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl,aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro;R_(e) and R_(f) are each independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, aryl, —S(O)_(z)(C₁-C₆)alkyl,—S(O)_(z)aryl, —CONR_(g)(C₁-C₆ alkyl), (C₁-C₆)alkylC(O)—, arylC(O)—,(C₁-C₆)alkylOC(O)—, and arylOC(O)—; R_(g) is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl;R₅ and R₆ are each independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, and aryl, or R₅and R₆ are taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attachedto form a heterocycle group optionally substituted with one or moreR_(d); wherein the heterocycle group optionally include one or moregroups selected from O (oxygen), S(O)_(z), and NR_(c); R₇ is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, halo,hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkyl optionally substituted with up to 5fluoro, and (C₁-C₆)alkoxy optionally substituted with up to 5 fluoro; Aris aryl, or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted with one or more R₈;and each R₈ is independently hydrogen, halo, CF₃, CF₂H, hydroxy, cyano,nitro, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, hydroxy(C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, —NR_(a)R_(b),aryl, heteroaryl or heterocycle.
 48. The method of claim 47 wherein themodulation is negative.
 49. The method of claim 47 wherein themodulation is positive.
 50. The method of claim 47 wherein the GABA_(A)subtypes is GABA_(A) α5.
 51. The method of claim 50 wherein themodulation is negative.
 52. The method of claim 50 wherein themodulation is positive.
 53. The method of claim 47 further comprisingtreatment of cognitive dysfunction in an animal.
 54. The method of claim48 further comprising treatment of cognitive dysfunction in an animal.55. The method of claim 50 further comprising treatment of cognitivedysfunction in an animal.
 56. A method of increasing cognitive functionin an animal comprising administering to the animal an effective amountof the compound of claim 1, under conditions wherein memory isincreased.
 57. The method of claim 56 wherein the animal is healthy. 58.The method of claim 56 wherein the memory is long term memory.
 59. Themethod of claim 56 wherein the memory is short term memory.
 60. A methodof treatment of cognitive dysfunction in an animal comprisingadministering to the animal an effective amount of the compound of claim1 or the composition of claim 46, under conditions wherein the cognitivedysfunction is treated.
 61. The method of claim 60 wherein one or moreGABA_(A) subtypes in the animal are negatively modulated.
 62. The methodof claim 61, wherein the GABA_(A) subtypes is GABA_(A) α5.
 63. Themethod of claim 60, wherein the animal is a mammal.
 64. The method ofclaim 60, wherein the animal is an aged animal.
 65. The method of claim60, wherein the cognitive dysfunction is Alzheimer's disease, dementiaor another neurodegenerative disease.